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A Long To-Do List Awaits Lawmakers

By

Greg Hitt and

Naftali Bendavid

Updated Sept. 5, 2009 12:01 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's scheduled appearance before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday reflects Washington's intense focus on health care. But lawmakers have a full plate of other pressing priorities as well, and return from recess facing post-Labor Day fights on everything from spending priorities to shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

The crowded calendar may force Democratic priorities such as climate change and financial regulation to the sidelines, for this year at least. At the same...

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